How Should A Painful Red Lump Along With Itchy Rashes Under The Arm Be Treated?

Posted on Thu, 10 May 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 10 May 2018 Answered on

Fri, 3 Nov 2023 Last reviewed on

Question : I've had an itchy rash under my arm for 4-5 days. This morning I woke up with a painful red lump above and to the left of my armpit (almost at the bicep area). I have a doctor's appointment in 3 weeks and am wondering if it's ok to wait until then to see him or if I should try to get in sooner.

Answered by Dr. Klarida Papaqako (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Maybe an abscess, so cannot wait for 3 weeks if that is the case.

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

I read carefully your question and I understand your concern.

How you are describing the lump it seems like you may have an abscess which may need draining. I would like to have a look to your red lump and the rash so I can advice better and more accurately. You can upload/attach a picture of it to the reports section of this web-page only.

If it is an abscess, it cannot wait 3 weeks. Especially if it gets bigger and bigger and if you start having a fever.

Looking forward to your follow up question.

Regards,
Dr. Papaqako

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Klarida Papaqako (1 hour later)

I've uploaded the photos. There seems to be some sort of very small "head" to the lump, it looks like a tiny blister. The lump itself is hard and painful to the touch. It sort of feels like when a lymph node is swollen?

Answered by Dr. Klarida Papaqako (20 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Verified abscess. It needs draining.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thank you for the follow up question.

I saw carefully the photos that you uploaded. It looks typically like an abscess.

I would recommend that you apply locally warm/hot compresses. It will help the abscess to drain itself.
Take a painkiller for the pain if you are not taking already.

If the lump becomes bigger and more painful, then then you can go to the emergency room to get it drained by your local doctor.

It cannot wait until your next appointment in 3 weeks, because it is a long time until then.

Let me know if you have other questions or concerns.

Regards,
Dr. Papaqako.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Klarida Papaqako (46 minutes later)

Do you have any idea what could be causing the rash and the abscess?

Answered by Dr. Klarida Papaqako (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
The rash may be the fungal infection.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

The rash may be the beginning of a fungal infection. It is not visible as such in the photo though. Please try to keep the axillar area as dry as possible, because humidity makes the rash worse. If not better you can try applying an antifungal cream for some days.

The abscess comes from the bacteria which have gone under the skin and are growing there and producing pus. Sometimes it just forms without a visible cause. But the treatment is mostly the same- evacuating the pus otherwise it will not heal itself.

I hope it answers your question.

Kind regards,
Dr. Papaqako

Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee